UV curable overlays for laser peening

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of laser shock processing of a solid material. The method includes applying an energy absorbing coating to a portion of the surface of a solid material, applying an ultraviolet curable resin to the coated portion of the surface of the solid material, applying an ultraviolet light to the curable resin to form a pellicle over the energy absorbing coating on the surface of the solid material, and applying a transparent overlay to the pellicular portion of the solid material. A pulse of coherent laser energy is directed to the coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave. After the pulse of coherent energy is directed to the solid material, a high-speed jet of fluid may be directed to the coated portion of the solid material to remove the remaining coating from the solid material.

CONTINUATION APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This is a divisional of patent application Ser. No. 09/911,070filed on Jul. 23, 2001, the disclosure of which is herein explicitlyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the use of coherent energypulses, as from high powered pulsed lasers, as well as an ultravioletcurable resin and an ultraviolet light in the shock processing ofmaterials, and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus forimproving properties of solid materials by providing shock wavestherein. The invention is especially useful for enhancing or creatingdesired physical properties such as hardness, strength, and fatiguestrength.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Laser peening (hereinafter referred to as laser shock processing)utilizes two overlays, a transparent overlay (usually water), and anopaque overlay (previously a black paint). During processing, a laser isdirected to pass through the water overlay and is absorbed by the blackpaint, causing a rapid vaporization of the paint surface and thegeneration of a high-amplitude shock wave. The shock wave cold works thesurface of the part creating compressive residual stresses, whichprovide an increase in fatigue properties of the part. A workpiece istypically processed by processing a matrix of overlapping spots thatcover fatigue critical zones of the part.

[0006] The current art utilizing laser shock processing has a problemwith the amount of time necessary to dry the black paint. The problemwith drying the black paint usually occurs with solvent-based paint butother types of paint may have this problem. Another problem is that theblack paint begins eroding as soon as the water layer is applied to thepaint. This problem with erosion usually occurs with water-based paintbut other types of paint may have this problem. During the laserprocessing of a workpiece, the black paint must be applied to theworkpiece multiple times. Each coat of paint takes approximately tenminutes to dry, which makes the processing time lengthy. Also, once thetransparent overlay is applied to the paint, the paint may start toerode immediately. This opaque layer erosion causes a turbulence in thesurface of the workpiece and reduces the shock pressure during the lasershock processing cycle. Therefore, the paint must be applied again tothe workpiece further increasing the processing time. This problem witherosion of the paint decreases the efficiency and effectiveness duringthe laser shock processing of the workpiece. The reasons for theefficiency and effectiveness being decreased is because of the amount oftime the paint takes to dry and because the paint begins erodingimmediately once the transparent overlay is applied which causes theshock pressure to the workpiece to be reduced once the laser is appliedto the eroding paint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a method of laser shock processingthat can be used in a production environment that significantly reduceslaser shock processing time and increases the effectiveness of the lasershock processing of the workpiece. The method begins with a step ofapplying an energy absorbing coating to the surface of the workpiecethat is to be laser shock processed. In one form of the invention, anultraviolet-curable resin, such as an ultraviolet-curing acrylic orurethane resin, is applied to the energy absorbing coating of theworkpiece. The present invention is not necessarily limited toultraviolet-curable resins, any type of curable resin can be used. Aresin is cured when the resin becomes chemically inert or upon thepolymerization of the resin. In one form, the ultraviolet-curable resinis exposed to an ultraviolet light which causes the curable resin toform a pellicle over the energy absorbing coating of the workpiece. Thepresent invention is not limited to an ultraviolet light to form apellicle or skin over the resin. The curing effect is determined by thetype of resin used and the means of curing that resin. A transparentoverlay, such as water, is applied in a thin flowing layer over thepellicular energy absorbing layer. When the transparent overlay hascovered the energy absorbing layer of the workpiece, the laser is firedthrough the transparent overlay and onto the energy absorbing coating.After the laser has been fired, the remaining portion of the coating canbe washed off of the surface of the workpiece using a high-speed jet offluid. The entire sequence and event timing is controlled by anelectronic processor. The sequence is repeated for each spot to beprocessed along the workpiece surface.

[0008] The invention, in one form thereof, comprises a method of lasershock peening the surface of a solid material. An energy absorbingcoating is applied to a portion of the surface of the solid material. Anultraviolet-curable resin is applied to the coated portion of the solidmaterial and the curable resin is exposed to an ultraviolet light andforms a pellicle over the energy absorbing coating. A transparentoverlay material is applied to the pellicular portion of the energyabsorbing coating. A pulse of coherent energy is directed to the energyabsorbing coating of the solid material to create a shockwave.

[0009] The invention, in another form thereof, comprises a method oflaser shock peening the surface of a solid material with or without theuse of a transparent overlay material. An energy absorbing coating isapplied to a portion of the surface of a solid material. Anultraviolet-curable resin coating is applied to the energy absorbingcoating and the curable resin is exposed to an ultraviolet light andforms a pellicle over the energy absorbing coating. A pulse of coherentenergy is directed to the energy absorbing coating of the solid materialto create a shock wave.

[0010] The invention, in yet another form thereof, comprises a method oflaser shock peening the surface of a solid material. An energy absorbingmaterial is mixed with an ultraviolet-curable resin to form an energyabsorbing mixture coating that is applied to the surface of the solidmaterial. The mixture coating is exposed to an ultraviolet light andforms a pellicle over the mixture coating. A transparent overlaymaterial is applied to the pellicular portion of the energy absorbingcoating and a pulse of coherent energy is directed to the energyabsorbing coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave.

[0011] The invention, in still another form thereof, comprises a methodof laser shock peening the surface of a solid material without the useof a transparent overlay material and using a mixture of the resin andthe energy absorbing material. An energy absorbing material is mixedwith an ultraviolet-curable resin to form an energy absorbing mixturecoating that is applied to the surface of the solid material. Themixture coating is exposed to an ultraviolet light and forms a pellicleover the mixture coating and a pulse of coherent energy is directed tothe energy absorbing coated portion of the solid material to create ashock wave.

[0012] The invention, in yet another form thereof, comprises a method oflaser shock peening the surface of a solid material using a mixtureconsisting of a wet energy absorbing material and a resin. A wet energyabsorbing material is mixed with an ultraviolet-curable resin to form anenergy absorbing coating that is applied to the surface of theworkpiece. The curable resin causes the wet energy absorbing coating toform a pellicle over once exposed to an ultraviolet light. A pulse ofcoherent energy is directed to the energy absorbing coated portion ofthe solid material to create a shock wave.

[0013] The invention, in still another form thereof, comprises anapparatus for laser shock peening the surface of a solid material. Theapparatus includes a material applicator for applying an energyabsorbing material onto the workpiece to create a coating on theworkpiece. A curable resin applicator applies an ultraviolet curableresin onto the energy absorbing coating of the workpiece and a lightapplicator applies an ultraviolet light to the curable resin. Atransparent overlay applicator applies a transparent overlay to theenergy absorbing coating of the workpiece. A laser provides a laser beamthrough the transparent overlay and to the energy absorbing coating tocreate a shock wave on the workpiece. A positioning mechanism isincluded to selectively position the workpiece relative to the materialapplicator, the curable resin applicator, the light applicator, thetransparent overlay applicator, and the laser. Conversely, a positioningmechanism may position the material applicator, the curable resinapplicator, the light applicator, and the transparent overlay applicatorcorrectly over the spot on the workpiece to be treated while it is inposition in the laser beam path. A control unit is operativelyassociated with each of the applicators, laser, and positioningmechanism to control the operation and the timing of each of theapplicators, laser, and the selective operation of the positioningmechanism.

[0014] The invention, in yet another form thereof, comprises anapparatus for laser shock peening the surface of a solid material. Theapparatus includes a material applicator for applying an energyabsorbing material onto the workpiece, to create a coating on theworkpiece. An ultraviolet curable resin applicator applies a curableresin to the energy absorbing coated portion of the workpiece and anultraviolet light applicator applies an ultraviolet light to the curableresin. A laser provides a laser beam to the energy absorbing layer tocreate a shock wave on the workpiece. A positioning mechanism isincluded to selectively position the workpiece relative to the materialapplicator, curable resin applicator, light applicator, and the laser.Conversely, the positioning mechanism may position the materialapplicator, light applicator, and curable resin applicator correctlyover the spot on the workpiece to be treated while it is in position inthe laser beam path. A control unit is operatively associated with eachof the applicators, laser, and positioning mechanism, to control theoperation and the timing of each of the applicators, laser, and theselective operation of the positioning mechanism.

[0015] The invention, in still another form thereof, comprises anapparatus for laser shock peening the surface of a solid material. Theapparatus includes a material applicator for applying a mixture of anenergy absorbing material and an ultraviolet curable resin onto theworkpiece to create a coated portion and a light applicator applies anultraviolet light to the mixture. A transparent overlay applicatorapplies a transparent overlay to the energy absorbing mixture coating ofthe workpiece. A laser provides a laser beam through the transparentoverlay and to the energy absorbing coating to create a shockwave on theworkpiece. A positioning mechanism is included to selectively positionthe workpiece relative to the material applicator, light applicator, thetransparent overlay applicator, and the laser. Conversely, a positioningmechanism may position the material applicator, the light applicator,and the transparent overlay applicator directly over the spot on theworkpiece to be treated while it is in position in the laser beam path.A control unit is operatively associated with each of the applicators,laser, and positioning mechanism to control the operation and the timingof each of the applicators, laser, and the selective operation of thepositioning mechanism.

[0016] The invention, in yet another form thereof, comprises anapparatus for laser shock peening the surface of a solid material. Theapparatus includes a material applicator for applying a mixture of anenergy absorbing material and an ultraviolet curable resin onto theworkpiece to create a coated portion and a light applicator applies anultraviolet light to the mixture. A laser provides a laser beam throughthe energy absorbing coating to create a shock wave on the workpiece. Apositioning mechanism is included to position the workpiece relative tothe material applicator, light applicator, and the laser. Conversely,the positioning mechanism may position the material applicator and lightapplicator over the spot on the workpiece to be treated while it is inposition in the laser beam path. A control unit is operativelyassociated with each of the applicators, laser, and positioningmechanism to control the operation and the timing of the applicators,laser, and the selective operation of the positioning mechanism.

[0017] An advantage of the present invention is that the method assistsin erosion resistance of the energy absorbing coating once thetransparent overlay is applied because the curable resin forms apellicle over the energy absorbing coating and therefore delaying theerosion of the coating from the transparent overlay material. Priorlaser shock processing methods have a problem in which, once thetransparent overlay is applied to the energy absorbing coating, erosionof the energy absorbing coating takes place immediately and the coatinghas to be applied again. Having to re-apply the coating significantlyincreases the processing time.

[0018] Another advantage of the present invention is that the curableresin will form a pellicle over the energy absorbing coating in lessthan one second. Normally, it takes approximately ten minutes for theenergy absorbing coating to dry so that laser shock processing of theworkpiece can occur. Using the fast curing resin, the wet paint isprotected in less than one second, which increases the processing timesignificantly.

[0019] A further advantage of the present invention is that higher peakpressures of the shock wave to the workpiece can be achieved because thecurable resin causes more of its energy absorbing coating to be leftintact when the laser beam impacts the energy absorbing layer.Eliminating premature mixing of the energy absorbing coating with thetransparent overlay allows for higher peak pressures of shock waves tothe workpiece.

[0020] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that reducedpower can now be used to achieve the same residual stress levels becausepreviously, higher power was used to compensate for the erosion of theenergy absorbing layer. Due to the fact that the curable resin assistsin the resistance of the erosion to the energy absorbing layer, lesspower can be used to achieve the same results which will increase thelife of the laser equipment.

[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that by the curableresin forming a pellicle rather than becoming fully cured, the energyabsorbing coating is more easily cleaned off the workpiece once thelaser beam has been applied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of thisinvention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand the invention will be better understood by reference to thefollowing description of an embodiment of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the method of one form of the presentinvention; and

[0024]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of another form of the presentinvention.

[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, andsuch exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] To laser shock process a material, an energy absorbing coating isapplied to the surface of the material. An overlay layer is then appliedto the coated surface of the material. As the overlay layer is appliedto the energy absorbing coating, the energy absorbing coating startsimmediately eroding.

[0027] This is the problem the present invention solves by applying acurable resin to the energy absorbing coating. There are different waysof curing resins. Light can be used to cure resins. In particular, anultraviolet light can be used to cure ultraviolet curable resins.Examples of ultraviolet curable resins include Light Weld, Multi-Cure,Sure Cure, and Darc Cure available from Dymax, Inc. of Torrington, Conn.Other examples of ultraviolet curable resins include a clear ultravioletcoating (product no. 62875) and a black ultraviolet coating (product no.72256) available from UV Coatings Limited, 140 Sheldon Road, Berea, Ohio44017. Flash heated (thermally-cured) resin coatings or coatings curedby chemical catalysis (e.g., amine gas-curing, aerobic or anaerobiccuring resins) are other ways of curing resins.

[0028] The curable resin can be mixed with graphite or black iron oxideto create an energy absorbing paint. The curable resin can be a solidpolymer as well. Also, the resin can have different viscosities.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, anultraviolet-curable resin is applied to the energy absorbing coating andthe resin is less than halfway cured to form a pellicle over the energyabsorbing coating by exposing the resin to an ultraviolet light sourceto increase the resistance to erosion of the energy absorbing coatingonce the transparent overlay material is applied. The resin can be lessthan halfway cured, halfway cured or more than halfway cured to form apellicle over the energy absorbing coating.

[0030] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 2, thereis shown a preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention including alaser peening chamber 12 in which the laser shock process takes place.The laser peening chamber 12 includes an opening 14 for a laser beam 16created by laser 18, a source of coherent energy. The laser pulse lengthand focus of the laser beam 16 may be adjusted as known in the art.Shown in FIG. 2, a workpiece 20 is held in position within laser peeningchamber 12 by means of a positioning mechanism 21. Positioning mechanism21 may be of the type of a robotically controlled arm or other apparatusto precisely position workpiece 20 relative to the operational elementsof laser shock system 10.

[0031] System 10 includes a material applicator 24 for applying anenergy absorbing material onto workpiece 20 to create a coated portion.The material utilized by material applicator 24 is an energy absorbingmaterial, preferably that of a black paint such as Zynolyte Bar-B-Q orZynolyte Stove Coat Black, available from Saria International, Inc. ofSan Carlos, Calif., but other energy absorbing materials may be used.

[0032] Another component of system 10 is a curable resin applicator 22for applying an ultraviolet-curable resin onto the energy absorbingcoating applied to workpiece 20. The curable resin can be applied whenthe energy absorbing coating is wet or dry.

[0033] System 10 also includes a light applicator 25 for applying lightenergy, for example an ultraviolet light to the ultraviolet curableresin. The light applicator may be manufactured using fiberoptic cable.The light emitted from light applicator 25 in one form is an ultravioletlight. The light emitted from light applicator 25 can have a wavelengthin the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1W/cm² to 60 W/cm² if the curable resin can be cured using a light havinga wavelength and amplitude in those ranges. These ranges of lightparameters are examples of light parameters that can be used to causethe curable resin to become cured although others may be utilizeddepending on the equipment and the resin.

[0034] System 10 further includes a transparent overlay applicator 26that applies a transparent overlay onto the portion of workpiece 20coated by material applicator 24 and curable resin applicator 22. Thetransparent overlay material should be substantially transparent to theradiation from laser beam 16.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the material applicator 24, the curable resinapplicator 22, the light applicator 25, and the transparent overlayapplicator 26 are shown directly located within laser peening chamber12. In a production operation environment, only the necessary operativeportions need to be located through and within laser peening chamber 12,such as the portion through which the materials actually flow through aflow head. The supply tanks for the applicators may be located outsideof laser peening chamber 12.

[0036] A control unit, such as controller 28 is operatively associatedwith each of the material applicator 24, curable resin applicator 22,light applicator 25, transparent overlay applicator 26, laser 18, andpositioning mechanism 21. Controller 28 controls the operation in timingof each of the applicators 24, 22, 25, 26, laser 18, and selectiveoperation of positioning mechanism 21 to ensure proper sequence andtiming of system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, controller 28 is connected tolaser 18, positioning mechanism 21, light applicator 25, curable resinapplicator 22, material applicator 24, and transparent overlayapplicator 26 via control lines 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 36 respectively.Controller 28 may be a programmable personal computer.

[0037] In operation, controller 28 controls operation of system 10 onceinitiated. As shown in FIG. 1, the method of the invention is thatfirst, workpiece 20 is located (38) particularly within targetingchamber 12 by positioning mechanism 21. Controller 28 activates materialapplicator 24 to apply an energy absorbing coating (40) onto aparticular location of workpiece 20 to be laser shock processed. Thenext step of the process is that controller 28 causes the curable resinapplicator 22 to apply a curable resin (41) to the coated portion of theworkpiece 20. A light is applied (42) to the curable resin to cause thecurable resin to form a pellicle over the energy absorbing coatedportion of workpiece 20. The next step of the process is that controller28 causes the transparent overlay applicator 26 to apply a transparentoverlay (43) to the pellicular energy absorbing coated portion ofworkpiece 20. At this point, laser 18 is immediately fired (44) bycontroller 28 to initiate a laser beam 16 to impact workpiece 20 throughthe transparent overlay and pellicular portion of the energy absorbingcoating on workpiece 20. By directing this pulse of coherent energy tothe energy absorbing coated portion, a shockwave is created. As theplasma expands from the impact area, it creates a compressionalshockwave passing through and against workpiece 20.

[0038] The above-described process or portions of the process arerepeated to shock process the desired surface area of workpiece 20.Depending upon the energy levels and the amount of laser shockingdesired on workpiece 20, controller 28 may position or re-indexworkpiece 20 into another position using positioning mechanism 21 sothat system 10 may apply coatings to and laser beam 16 may impact adifferent portion which can overlap the previous impact area. Afterlaser beam 16 impacts the energy absorbing coated portion (44) ofworkpiece 20, it may be necessary to remove the remaining energyabsorbing coating from workpiece 20. This additional step is referred toas (46) of FIG. 1. This step may be accomplished by a high speed jet offluid to forcibly remove the remaining coating from workpiece 20.

[0039] The present invention has three other embodiments. The firstembodiment eliminates the need for the traditional flowing transparentoverlay. The second embodiment combines the ultraviolet curable resinand the energy absorbing material so that only one applicator is neededto apply the coating to the workpiece. The third embodiment not onlyeliminates the need for the traditional flowing transparent overlay, butalso combines the ultraviolet curable resin and the energy absorbingmaterial so only one applicator is needed to apply the coating to theworkpiece.

[0040] In another form of the present invention, workpiece 20 is located(38) particularly within targeting chamber 12 by positioning mechanism21. Controller 28 activates material applicator 24 to apply an energyabsorbing coating (40) onto a particular location of workpiece 20 to belaser shock processed. The next step of the process is that controller28 causes the curable resin applicator 22 to apply for example anultraviolet-curable resin (41) to the energy absorbing coating appliedto workpiece 20. The light applicator 25 applies an ultraviolet light(42) to the curable resin in order to form a pellicle over the energyabsorbing coating. Laser 18 is immediately fired (44) by controller 28to initiate a laser beam 16 to impact workpiece 20 through thepellicular portion of the energy absorbing coating on workpiece 20. Bydirecting this pulse of coherent energy to the energy absorbing coatedportion, a shockwave is created. As the plasma expands from the impactarea, it creates a compressionable shockwave passing through and againstworkpiece 20. The workpiece can then be cleaned by having a high speedjet of fluid applied to its surface to remove the remaining energyabsorbing coating (46).

[0041] In yet another form of the present invention, the workpiece 20 islocated (38) particular within targeting chamber 12 by positioningmechanism 21. The energy absorbing material is mixed with anultraviolet-curable resin and material applicator 24 applies thatmixture (40) to coat workpiece 20. The light applicator 25 applies anultraviolet light (42) to the coating in order to form a pellicle overthe mixture. Controller 28 causes the transparent overlay applicator 26to apply a transparent overlay (43) to the pellicular energy absorbingcoated portion of the workpiece 20. Laser 18 is immediately fired (44)by controller 28 to initiate a laser beam 16 to impact workpiece 20through the transparent overlay and pellicular portion of the energyabsorbing coating on workpiece 20. By directing this pulse of coherentenergy to the energy coated portion, a shockwave is created. As theplasma expands from the impact area, it creates a compressionalshockwave passing through and against workpiece 20.

[0042] In another form of the present invention, the workpiece 20 islocated (38) particularly within targeting chamber 12 by positioningmechanism 21. The energy absorbing material is mixed with anultraviolet-curable resin and material applicator 24 applies thatmixture (40) to coat workpiece 20. The light applicator 25 applies anultraviolet light (42) to the coating in order to form a pellicle overthe mixture. Laser 18 is immediately fired (44) by controller 28 toinitiate a laser beam 16 to impact workpiece 20 through the pellicularmixture coating on workpiece 20. By directing this pulse of coherentenergy to the mixture coated portion, a shockwave is created. As theplasma expands from the impact area, it creates a compressionableshockwave passing through and against workpiece 20. After the pulse ofcoherent energy, a high speed jet of fluid can be used to cleanworkpiece 20 by removing the remaining mixture coating (46).

[0043] Depending upon the workpiece material, many parameters of thepresent invention may be selected to control the shock process. Forexample, the operator controller may select a particular laser, aparticular laser pulse energy, laser pulse time, number of laser pulses,focal lens, working distance, thickness of the energy absorbing coating,curable resin, and transparent overlay to control the laser shockprocess. More particularly, laser pulse energy and laser pulse widthdirectly effect the cycle. The amount of energy placed on the surface ofthe workpiece and number of laser pulses effects the depth of each shockand the speed of the shocking process. It has been found that the energyof the laser pulse as well as other parameters should be controlled inorder to prevent surface irregularities of the workpiece.

[0044] While this invention has been described as having a preferreddesign, the present invention can be further modified within the spiritand scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of laser peening, comprising: applying a curable resin coating to a portion of a surface of a material; applying a transparent overlay material to said curable resin coated portion of the solid material; and directing a pulse of coherent energy to said coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave.
 2. The method of claim 1 in which after said pulse of coherent energy is directed to said coated portion of the solid material, a high-speed jet of fluid is directed to said surface of the solid material to clean a portion of said surface of the solid material.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying light to said curable resin.
 4. The method of claim 1 in which said method is repeated to another portion of said surface of the solid material.
 5. The method of claim 3 in which said light is ultraviolet and said curable resin is cured when exposed to said ultraviolet light.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying an energy absorbing coating.
 7. The method of claim 1 in which said transparent overlay material is water.
 8. The method of claim 2 in which all of the steps are controlled by an electronic processor.
 9. The method of claim 1 in which the pulse of coherent energy is provided by a laser.
 10. The method in claim 3 in which said light has a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1 W/cm² to 60 W/cm².
 11. The method in claim 1 in which said curable resin is cured in less than one second.
 12. The method of claim 1 in which said curable resin is less than halfway cured to form a pellicle over said energy absorbing coating before applying said transparent overlay material.
 13. A method of laser peening, comprising: applying an energy absorbing coating to a portion of a surface of a solid material; applying a curable resin coating to said energy absorbing coating; and directing a pulse of coherent energy to said energy absorbing coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave.
 14. The method of claim 13 in which after said pulse of coherent energy is directed to said coated portion of the solid material, a high-speed jet of fluid is directed to said surface of the solid material to clean a portion of said surface of the solid material.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising applying light to said curable resin.
 16. The method of claim 13 in which said method is repeated to another portion of said surface of the solid material.
 17. The method of claim 15 in which said light is ultraviolet and said curable resin is cured when exposed to said ultraviolet light.
 18. The method of claim 13 in which said energy absorbing coating is paint.
 19. The method of claim 13 in which said curable resin is a solid polymer.
 20. The method of claim 14 in which all of the steps are controlled by an electronic processor.
 21. The method of claim 13 in which the pulse of coherent energy is provided by a laser.
 22. The method in claim 15 in which said light has a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1 W/cm² to 60 W/cm².
 23. The method in claim 13 in which said curable resin is cured in less than one second.
 24. The method of claim 13 in which said curable resin is less than halfway cured to form a pellicle over said energy absorbing coating before directing said pulse of coherent energy to said energy absorbing coating.
 25. A method of laser peening, comprising: mixing an energy absorbing coating with a curable resin; applying said mixture coating to a portion of a surface of a solid material; applying a transparent overlay material to said mixture coated portion of the solid material; and directing a pulse of coherent energy to said energy absorbing coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave.
 26. The method of claim 25 in which after said pulse of coherent energy is directed to said coated portion of the solid material, a high-speed jet of fluid is directed to said surface of the solid material to clean a portion of said surface of the solid material.
 27. The method of claim 25 further comprising applying light to said curable resin.
 28. The method of claim 25 in which said method is repeated to another portion of said surface of the solid material.
 29. The method of claim 27 in which said light is ultraviolet and said curable resin is cured when exposed to said ultraviolet light.
 30. The method of claim 25 in which said energy absorbing coating is paint.
 31. The method of claim 25 in which all of the steps are timed and controlled by an electronic processor.
 32. The method of claim 25 in which the pulse of coherent energy is provided by a laser.
 33. The method in claim 27 in which said light has a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1 W/cm² to 60 W/cm².
 34. The method in claim 25 in which said curable resin is cured in less than one second.
 35. The method of claim 25 in which said curable resin is less than halfway cured to form a pellicle over said energy absorbing coating before directing said pulse of coherent energy to said energy absorbing coating.
 36. A method of laser peening, comprising: mixing an energy absorbing coating with a curable resin; applying said mixture coating to a portion of a surface of a solid material; and directing a pulse of coherent energy to said mixture coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave.
 37. The method of claim 36 in which after said pulse of coherent energy is directed to said coated portion of the solid material, a high-speed jet of fluid is directed to said surface of the solid material to clean a portion of said surface of the solid material.
 38. The method of claim 36 further comprising applying light to said curable resin.
 39. The method of claim 36 in which said method is repeated to another portion of said surface of the solid material.
 40. The method of claim 38 in which said light is ultraviolet and said curable resin is cured when exposed to said ultraviolet light.
 41. The method of claim 36 in which said energy absorbing coating is paint.
 42. The method of claim 37 in which all of the steps are timed and controlled by an electronic processor.
 43. The method of claim 36 in which the pulse of coherent energy is provided by a laser.
 44. The method in claim 38 in which said light has a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1 W/cm² to 60 W/cm².
 45. The method in claim 36 in which said curable resin is cured in less than one second.
 46. The method of claim 36 in which said curable resin is less than halfway cured to form a pellicle over said energy absorbing coating before directing said pulse of coherent energy to said energy absorbing coating.
 47. A method of laser shot peening, comprising: mixing a wet energy absorbing coating with a curable resin; applying said mixture coating to a portion of a surface of a solid material; and directing a pulse of coherent energy to said mixture coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave.
 48. An apparatus for laser shot peening, comprising: a material applicator for applying an energy absorbing material onto a workpiece to create a coated portion; a curable resin applicator for applying a curable resin to said energy absorbing material on said workpiece; a transparent overlay applicator for applying a transparent overlay to said curable resin on said workpiece; a laser to provide a laser beam through the transparent overlay to create a shockwave on the workpiece; a positioning mechanism to selectively position the workpiece relative to said material applicator, said curable resin applicator, said transparent overlay applicator, and said laser; and a control unit operatively associated with each of said applicators and said laser, to control the operation and timing of each said applicator and said laser.
 49. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a light applicator for applying light to said curable resin, said light applicator operatively associated with said control unit.
 50. The apparatus of claim 49 in which said light applicator emits ultraviolet light.
 51. The apparatus of claim 49 in which said light applicator applies light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1 W/cm² to 60 W/cm².
 52. The apparatus of claim 48 in which said control unit is a programmable personal computer.
 53. The apparatus of claim 48 further in which said positioning mechanism indexes the workpiece so that the process cycle occurs on another location of the workpiece.
 54. The apparatus of claim 48 in which said positioning mechanism indexes the workpiece between said applicators.
 55. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a laser peening chamber, portions of said applicators and said positioning mechanism located within said laser peening chamber to operatively engage the workpiece.
 56. An apparatus for laser shot peening, comprising: a material applicator for applying an energy absorbing material onto a workpiece to create a coated portion; a curable resin applicator for applying a curable resin to said energy absorbing material on said workpiece; a laser to provide a laser beam through the resin to create a shockwave on the workpiece; a positioning mechanism to selectively position the workpiece relative to said material applicator, said resin applicator, and said laser; and a control unit operatively associated with each of said applicators and said laser, to control the operation and timing of each said applicator and said laser.
 57. The apparatus of claim 56 further comprising a light applicator for applying light to said curable resin, said light applicator operatively associated with said control unit.
 58. The apparatus of claim 56 in which said control unit is a programmable personal computer.
 59. The apparatus of claim 56 further in which said positioning mechanism indexes the workpiece so that the process cycle occurs on another location of the workpiece.
 60. The apparatus of claim 56 in which said positioning mechanism indexes the workpiece between said applicators.
 61. The apparatus of claim 56 further comprising a laser peening chamber, portions of said applicators, and said positioning mechanism located within said laser peening chamber to operatively engage the workpiece.
 62. An apparatus for laser shot peening, comprising: a material applicator for applying a mixture of an energy absorbing material and a curable onto a workpiece to create a coated portion; a transparent overlay applicator for applying a transparent overlay to said mixture of said workpiece; a laser to provide a laser beam through the mixture to create a shockwave on the workpiece; a positioning mechanism to selectively position the workpiece relative to said material applicator and said laser; and a control unit operatively associated with said applicator and said laser, to control the operation and timing of said applicator and said laser.
 63. The apparatus of claim 62 further comprising a light applicator for applying light to said curable resin, said light applicator operatively associated with said control unit.
 64. The apparatus of claim 62 in which said light applicator emits ultraviolet light.
 65. The apparatus of claim 62 in which said light applicator applies light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1 W/cm² to 60 W/cm².
 66. The apparatus of claim 62 in which said control unit is a programmable personal computer.
 67. The apparatus of claim 62 further in which said positioning mechanism indexes the workpiece so that the process cycle occurs on another location of the workpiece.
 68. The apparatus of claim 62 in which said positioning mechanism indexes the workpiece between said applicators.
 69. The apparatus of claim 62 further comprising a laser peening chamber, portions of said applicators and said positioning mechanism located within said laser peening chamber to operatively engage the workpiece.
 70. An apparatus for laser shot peening, comprising: a material applicator for applying a mixture of an energy absorbing material and a curable resin onto a workpiece to create a coated portion; a laser to provide a laser beam through the mixture to create a shockwave on the workpiece; a positioning mechanism to selectively position the workpiece relative to said material applicator and said laser; and a control unit operatively associated with said applicator and said laser, to control the operation and timing of said applicator and said laser.
 71. The apparatus of claim 70 further comprising a light applicator for applying light to said curable resin, said light applicator operatively associated with said control unit.
 72. The apparatus of claim 70 in which said control unit is a programmable personal computer.
 73. The apparatus of claim 70 further in which said positioning mechanism indexes the workpiece so that the process cycle occurs on another location of the workpiece.
 74. The apparatus of claim 70 further comprising a laser peening chamber, portions of said applicator and said positioning mechanism located within said laser peening chamber to operatively engage the workpiece.
 75. The apparatus of claim 57 in which said light applicator emits ultraviolet light.
 76. The apparatus of claim 57 in which said light applicator applies light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1 W/cm² to 60 W/cm².
 77. The apparatus of claim 71 in which said light applicator emits ultraviolet light.
 78. The apparatus of claim 71 in which said light applicator applies light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 450 nm and an amplitude in the range of 1 W/cm² to 60 W/cm². 